The Defence Headquarters has said that 500 ground and air troops have so far been deployed to Mali.

Defence Headquarters’ spokesman Colonel Mohammed Yerima said yesterday that “as at present, the Nigerian Armed Forces has deployed over 500 officers and men to the AFISMA operation. Currently, there is a company strength of 138 men (all ranks) stationed in the city of Banamba Mali. The AFISMA Headquarters in Bamako is manned by 17 Nigerian personnel. 24 personnel are currently stationed at the transit camp. A Signal Squadron of 61 personnel is currently deployed.  The Nigerian Air Force which is stationed in Niamey, Niger Republic has a total strength of 300 personnel.”

He said the remaining troops and equipment would be deployed in due course adding that a contingent of 140 Nigeria Police personnel will also be deployed.